DAP Sabah has urged Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman to allocate one of the six nominated seats in the legislative assembly to the opposition in the interests "of democracy and transparency".

This would give the opposition a voice in the assembly and enable it to scrutinise draft legislation that affects the public interest, said the party's de facto head Dr Hiew King Chew.

He told malaysiakini that the state Barisan Nasional has become "too powerful" after winning all but one of the 60 state seats in the general election concluded in March.

"Even then the sole Independent member - Kuala Penyu representative John Ghani - is trying to get into the BN...this would mean the BN would in effect control the assembly," Hiew claimed.

However, Hiew also said that, to his knowledge, Musa does not intend to fill the nominated seats - as provided for in the state constitution - for the time being.

Check on economy

On the DAP's poor electoral performance in Sabah, Hiew said the party was not disheartened by its failure to win any seat.

"The DAP is not (just) for elections. We are for opposition politics. Whether we win or lose, our job continues," he said.

"For instance, we are looking at many aspects of economic development. People are really feeling the pinch as a result of a downturn in the state economy."

He alleged that the state cabinet does not appear to have any ideas about how to revive or develop the economy.

Hiew added that the party is monitoring closely the state government's moves to increase house assessment rates to ensure that this does not burden ratepayers.